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So, I have an idea for how Biden could actually work with Bernie, make an overture to the left, and focus his campaign more on coronavirus.
He should propose an American Health Service, focused on public hospitals, primary care, and public health prep. https://twitter.com/sarahmucha/status/1247516013094211585
He should propose an American Health Service, focused on public hospitals, primary care, and public health prep. https://twitter.com/sarahmucha/status/1247516013094211585
This would not at all be a stretch for Biden, given what's already in his platform. It would also borrow some of Bernie's best ideas, and pay genuine respect to his ideas and legacy, rather than just lip service. So let me explain.
The U.S. has a really shitty public health care infrastructure. One reason we can't really duplicate some health reform models elsewhere (like Australia's) is that we just don't have, like, enough public hospitals. Instead, we lean on non-profits and a lot of for-profits.
At the same time, we have hospitals closing left and right, especially in rural areas. In ordinary times, that makes access to care harder. In the event of a pandemic like COVID-19, it costs lives.
Sanders has talked about creating a $20 billion fund for communities to buy and run local hospitals, though I don't believe he's ever released a formal plan. Biden should adopt it, and maybe go bigger. https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/15/politics/bernie-sanders-plan-for-hospital-fund/index.html
Accidentally broke up the thread. So adding this one here. Anyway, Biden should go bigger on his plan to expand the community health center program. https://twitter.com/JHWeissmann/status/1247524367384231943
Biden has also proposed creating a U.S. Public Health Service Reserve Corps, which is great. But he could expand the whole USPHS,and maybe the National Health Service Corps, while also figuring out how to fix the CDC and FDA's issues.
You then bring all these efforts together under one big brand: The American Health Service. Every clinic and hospital that receives funding gets a big sign on the door. You use it to brand big public health campaigns and help coordinate responses.
Meanwhile, Biden can pursue his health reform plan, but in a nod to single payer, maybe include a Fed-funded Medicaid expansion to 200% of poverty, which is probably less expensive per head than subsidizing private coverage for that population. https://slate.com/business/2020/01/expanding-medicaid-the-health-care-idea-democrats-should-be-talking-about.html
Take it all together: You get a plan that addresses some of America's most critical health care failings—our lack of capacity—using some of Bernie's best ideas that also happen to be on a scale acceptable to moderates. And it gives Biden an exciting, marquee health initiative.
